I have heard Estelle speak on several podcasts about her books but so far this is the first one I have read. She is passionate about her research and the women she studies. It is easy to tell how much she cares and how deeply she researches to find out new and interesting tidbits that may have been overlooked in the past. This was an interesting look into the French perspective on the King's Great Matter and Anne Boleyn becoming Queen of England. I would highly recommend this to anybody who loves Tudor history and Anne Boleyn.

Really enjoyed this book. So informative, detailed, and descriptive with meticulous research but compiling it all in a way that was enlightening while piquing your curiosity.

Thank you Netgalley and Hachette Books for the digital arc!

Thorns, Lust, and Glory is a new look at Anne Boleyn through the lens of her French connections. There are a lot of biographies of Anne Boleyn. As Henry VIII's second wife and the impetus for his break with Rome, she's one of England's best known queens. But her time in France as a lady-in-waiting to Queen Claude, wife of King Francois I, and her ties to the French royal family tend to be merely a footnote in her larger story.

This book gives a new dimension to a well-known history. We see a different side of Anne Boleyn and the story of the King's Great Matter (Henry VIII's attempt to divorce Catherine of Aragon to marry Anne), and it gives a new view of Anne. I've read a lot about Anne Boleyn, but much of the information in this book was new to me. I definitely recommend it to anyone who's interested in Anne or Tudor history.

[I received a review copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.]

<B><I>Thorns, Lust and Glory: The Betrayal of Anne Boleyn</I></B> by Estelle Paranque is a highly engaging book that doesn’t quite live up to the presumption of “betrayal” made in the title.

The premise set up in the early pages of <B><I>Thorns, Lust and Glory: The Betrayal of Anne Boleyn</I></B> and explored throughout the book is admittedly somewhat blurry: the general idea is that Anne was "betrayed" by the French who refused to take a stand against Rome in favor of supporting England, Henry VIII and her marriage.

The book later fleshes out this idea, positing that this was a “betrayal” because Anne was essentially a "French princess," that she had been acting in French interests after her rise in England, and thus the refusal of the French king and court to support England over Rome and step in when Anne herself was arrested was specifically a betrayal against Anne Boleyn herself.

While Paranque explores what we do know of Anne's connections to France (which continued after she left England, to at last some degree) and discusses at length the political and diplomatic schemes, plots and pleadings involved in the various attempts to gain French support for Henry VIII’s annulment and remarriage, I don't feel that the general thesis was actually supported by this presented evidence.

Yes, Anne served in the court of France for some years. Yes, Anne entertained French ambassadors, and went with Henry to France in their bid to get Francis' support for their marriage. Yes, the French sent various diplomats at various times to attempt to drum up support for Henry VIII’s will on the matter of his marriage(s).

But nothing written about in this book supports this idea that Anne was acting in French interests, that she was--as Paranque writes numerous times in the book--essentially a "French princess," nor that the French’s actions could be viewed as as a “betrayal” against Anne Boleyn.

Paranque writes in her introduction that, “Some dialogue has been re-created from primary sources and perhaps I have also allowed myself more speculative claims that again are based on primary evidence, but rely evidently on my own judgment and appreciation of them.”

In regards to the dialogue being primary sources repurposed, it’s not something I like to see done in non-fiction without the author admitting that they are putting letters into a different context at the moment.

Otherwise, readers are left to wonder: is what I’m reading an accurate representation of this primary source? Was the original primary source a letter, which has been spun into a piece of dialogue? Did the primary source use these exact words? What does recreated mean, here?

While it may make the book more readable, it makes the final understanding of the history fuzzier, and thus not something I want to rely on when learning about Anne Boleyn or these events.

Speculation is inherent when writing about history, especially a figure like Anne Boleyn where there are shockingly few traces of her thoughts and feelings, but the speculation in the book often goes too far.

There is a difference between, for instance, suggesting that a young Anne would have surely been impressed by royal spectacle witnessed as a lady-in-waiting to the French queen and what Paranque does repeatedly throughout this work, which is connect basic events ("Anne witnessed this spectacle while serving in France") and leap to vaster conclusions.

For instance, Paranque writes, after exploring the brief courtship between Henry Percy and Anne Boleyn, that Anne was "buoyed with confidence from her years in France, and what she had learned from the royal women there, she felt ready for whatever might be in store. Secretly, she prayed for glory."

Did she? When? What about Anne's reaction (which is to say--we don't know it!) to the ending of her courtship with Percy, or anything at all from this period, suggests that she was secretly praying for glory? Suggesting that perhaps she admired the powerful women at the French court is one thing, but writing at this stage that she secretly prayed for glory is an entirely different level of speculation.

Although I don’t really agree with the basic premise of the book and I don’t think there was any great revelation made here regarding Anne being “betrayed” by France, I did appreciate some of the smaller details that Paranque was able to uncover regarding Anne’s time in France, along with more detailed information about the movement of diplomats in regards to the “marriage problem” of Henry VIII.

I think that many popular portrayals about the marriage forget just how long it took for decisions to be made, just how many politicians, courtiers and clergymen were tasked with trying to resolve the king’s “question” of his marriage; all these moving parts, at least in regards to France, are covered here in a way that is easy to understand.

Paranque’s writing is very engaging as well, even when the book is covering what might otherwise be a bit of a slog to get through. Sometimes I felt like I was listening to someone speak passionately about a subject they were invested in, which makes for easier reading when it comes to non-fiction.. You can tell that Paranque has a strong passion for Anne Boleyn and respect for what she endured in her final days.

Although I don’t think the book lives up to the premise that Anne was “betrayed” by the French, I do think the book is worth a look if you’re interested in more of the behind-the-scenes diplomatic details regarding Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. The book does contain more actual primary sources (versus speculation about what Anne surely must have felt or done) when it comes to these diplomatic missions, so that is one of the stronger areas of the book.

Thorns, Lust and Glory attempts to delve into the emotional landscape of one of history's most enigmatic figures. While the concept is intriguing, the execution leaves much to be desired. The book doesn't introduce any fresh insights into Anne Boleyn's story, relying instead on speculative interpretations of her emotions. Unfortunately, the middle section drags, losing momentum and focus. The writing style, reminiscent of a university term paper, lacks the polish and depth expected from a seasoned historical author. Overall, it’s a read that may interest Anne Boleyn enthusiasts, but it falls short of offering anything truly groundbreaking.

Thanks to Net Galley for an ARC of this book!
I've read quite a few other books related to the Tudors/Anne Boleyn, and Paranaque has managed to find a niche of the story that hasn't been told yet. Much of the storyline is the same- the rise and fall of the Boleyn's in English politics; but she takes a wider lense of the time, spending a chunk of the book discussing the choices and impacts of kings in France & Holy Roman Empire, and the pope in Rome. While the broader scope complicates things a bit (it's not just about love Henry, there are some politics involved too!), I appreciated understanding the mechanisms in play as England, France, and Spain jockey for power in Europe. I would recommend this book for anyone who has a basic understanding of the Tudor story and wants a different perspective on the 1520's/1530's in Europe.

I love reading British history especially about the Tudor dynasty. This biography of Anne Boleyn is very detailed and certainly reveals how she became so hated by the people. I believe many of the things she did and said were misunderstood and she certainly trusted in many who would eventually betray her. Anne was definitely arrogant at times but I believe at least in the beginning she truly loved Henry. Problem with Henry was he was enamored with Anne. She was relatively young and he believed she would give him a male heir. Alas that never happened and those close to her schemed to get rid of her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Anyone who loves history especially British history will enjoy it. I highly recommend it.

Only downside with this book is there are many foreign names which tended to slow my reading but it is well wirth it.

I'm usually a big fan of anything Anne Boleyn. This was a well written, informative read. Highly recommend!

This was such a great read! I love historical fiction. I love learning while being entertained and this did not disappoint!

For centuries, Anne Boleyn has fascinated many, due to her rise from courtier's daughter to the Queen of England and to her tragic execution. Many have written on her life as Queen and her downfall; however, writings of her origins have been few.

In Thorns, Lust and Glory, Estelle Paranque elaborates on Anne Boleyn's formative years in the French royal court and its influence on her. Paranque focuses on the political climate, as well as the ramifications, in Europe during Henry VIII's pursuit of Anne. Additionally, Paranque focuses on how Anne's own loyalties and French connections leave her vulnerable; thus, leading to her ruin and execution.

Paranque has taken a new approach in addressing Anne Boleyn. Paranque does not elaborate on Anne's execution, a subject that has been overly discussed, but instead provides insight into the aspects that lead to Anne's execution. Paranque has provided a fascinating perspective into Henry VIII's Tudor court, as well as the political climate surrounding Anne Boleyn's rise and fall. A refreshing new take on Anne Boleyn.

Thanks to NetGalley, Estelle Paranque, and Hachette Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Thorns, Lust, and Glory: The Betrayal of Anne Boleyn. I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have read a lot of books regarding the Tudors, most have been about Anne Boleyn specifically. This is the first one that I have read which delved so deeply into her time in France. Usually, this point of her life is briefly mentioned and then it jumps to her life at court in England. I really loved this information being included because it helps the reader understand how she became the woman that she did. Her adulthood was greatly influenced by her formative years in France.

Everything about her timeline was presented with great organization. It was very obvious that a lot of research was done to shape this book. I could not find fault with anything. This was my first time reading a book written by Estelle Paranque and I will now try to find more by her.

Where to begin with this book? If you have never read anything about the wives of Henry VIII and you run across this book, it might pique your interest (or not...) and lead you to better books. If you've already read those better books, this one is going to be hard to swallow.

Paranque's thesis seems to be that, as she states at one point, Anne was "practically a French princess," and that the main thing that was important to her in her role as favorite and then queen was to promote the interests of France. Furthermore, ultimately she was betrayed by the French for whom she'd done so much work over the course of ten years in Henry's favor, when they not only stepped back from an English alliance, but also didn't sufficiently support the English appeals to Rome over her marriage and didn't speak up for her when she was framed and railroaded to the block. Not only this, she was essentially an English spy at the heart of the French court during her teen years.

I have problems with all of this. While Anne spent nearly ten years being educated in French courts and gaining a polish of French culture that made her interesting and exotic at home, I doubt she was ever allowed by her father (a prominent English ambassador to France) to forget she was English and her life was going to be in England - whether or not he was using her as his spy in the queen's household. While she always felt an affinity for France thereafter, I don't believe that she saw her role at the heart of the English monarchy as the promotion of French interests.

The book's main focus is the political climate in Europe between 1514 and 1536, with France, the Holy Roman Empire/Spain, and the pope jockeying for position and England trying to find ways to play a role. This is interesting, but the purpose to which it is being used (to prove Anne was a French asset) rings false and you are left wondering what to do with all the details. The thing I gained from this is that Henry's insistence on going his own way and separating from Rome was more dangerous than I'd previously appreciated, and threw the balance of power into greater chaos. It didn't make me believe that the great betrayal of Anne came from France.

Paranque also has an annoying habit of taking quotations from diplomatic and state papers, writing them up as conversation, and modernizing some of the idioms to the point of anachronism. Nobody in 16th century England would have said Henry "moved in with" his mistress. It's hard to know what's real and what is made up, in such a context. The book also needs an aggressive copy edit that it apparently hasn't yet received - there are a few sentences that just do not make sense, some where you can tell the wording was changed without deleting the prior wording, and at least one hilarious reference to "Henry XVIII." I hope this is all fixed up in the final version.

If you have an interest in Anne Boleyn, I suggest looking at the Anne Boleyn Files online blog, and biting the bullet and reading Eric Ives, whose books on Anne are much better written and balanced. Or read a historical novel. This book tries to be a little of both, and manages to be neither.

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me an opportunity to read an advance galley of this book.

I really liked how this book focused on Anne Boleyn. She was always my favorite of Henry VIII’s wives to learn about. I thought this book did her story justice. Not only did it focus on her life story, but also about what was going on around her at the time. This was not simply just a book about Anne, but also about the tumultuousness of Europe at the time. I thought the author’s writing style was good and natural. This was an easy but educational read that would appeal to a wide margin of readers. I would definitely recommend this book.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook.
I never get tired of a good Tudor related bio. Especially when it is about Anne B. She is my favorite queen and even though I have read 100 books about her I just never get tired of reading about her. This was a masterfully written bio about her and I learned some new things about her and I would highly recommend this book to all Tudor history fans!

If you want to learn more about Anne Boleyn and her rise to Queen, give this book a read. A lot of Anne's early time in France was unknown so I loved that this book spent so much time there rather than just jumping into here marriage with Henry. I'm giving this 4 stars because oftentimes it felt like we spent too much time with side characters, I appreciate the historical context but the first part of this book dragged on due to this.

Anne Boleyn’s story starts in France as a maid of honor to Queen Claude of France. So little documented evidence remains of Anne that most of this early history is conjecture based on research of the other players. There is lots of detail regarding the ongoing issue to have Anne’s marriage to Henry VIII acknowledged with their issue being the rightful heirs. I agree with author’s conclusions about Anne Boleyn but I often felt the focus was not on Anne. I wish there was more historical record because Anne still fascinates.

This. Was. Awesome.

I love it when historians dig down into the primary records (bypassing all the secondary sources of what “everybody knows”) and come back up with ‘Found something you all overlooked!’

For example, here Estelle Paranque looks at some itinerary documents and suddenly we see Anne traveled much further afield than previously thought when she was France – getting so far as Marseille and the shores of the Mediterranean. What?!?!

Next, Paranque makes a strong case for Anne’s “engagement” to James Butler was fake from beginning to end, merely the cover for a clean extraction to get Anne – an Englishwoman with years’ worth of observation of the French court now on the possible verge of war with England - out of France without raising any eyebrows. Anne was being treated as an agent and her father had confidence in her abilities both at home and abroad – far too much to “waste” her on a marriage that would sideline her in Ireland.

Paranque examines the life of Anne Boleyn through the lens of France – Anne’s time there, her education in French culture and politics, the French alliance she sought to maintain when back in England, and how France’s interaction with wider geo-political events had a direct impact on her life – and death.

Thank you NetGalley and Hachette books for sending me an ARC of this book for review.

I’ll be honest here, I deeply struggled with part 1 of this book. Though this may have been my fault requesting this book when I generally read fantasy/fiction but part one was very textbook. I got so lost with everyone’s name and locations. However in part 2 it started to pick up. It started reading more like a fun fiction novel but better than that because I was actually learning things. Overall this was enjoyable I just needed to adjust to the writing.

While I understand the background information on everyone and their relationships and connections is important and explain how Anne got to where she was (and then wasn’t), I still wish that it focused more around her. BUT I’m not super well versed on the topic so again this could be all that is known because this definitely had a lot of work put into it. Very well thought out. There’s a lot of moving parts with this and I started to take notes part way through. I feel smarter so I appreciate the opportunity!

Thank you NetGalley for the eARC. I read anything Tudor-related so this was a non-brainer for me but it was still SO interesting. I read like fiction and I was still surprised by the new things I learned. No spoilers, get your own copy. I know how it ends but I was still surprised when I got there. This is a must read for any Boleyn fan!

Thorns, Lust, and Glory: The Betrayal of Anne Boleyn by Estelle Paranque is a fascinating book that delves further into the tragic end of the infamous Queen.

I have read quite a few nonfiction and fictional novels involving Anne Boleyn along with Tudor history. This book delves into some of the factors and players that helped influence Anne, those around her, and what culminated into the sad end of Henry VIII’s second Queen.

The author first starts with her life in France including some of her influences (external and internal) and then proceeds from there.

Yes, this book revolves around Anne, but for the reader to completely understand a lot of the steps that make up the sequence that lead to her demise, she had to include her surroundings: personal, political, and societal. She pulls from many sources, and has her work cut out for her, as I am sure it is more difficult to obtain history from the women and those that are conquered vs the conquerors.

I am impressed with the way that she was able to present all these factors in a nonfiction that reads, at times, like fiction, and flows well.

I truly enjoyed it.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Hachette Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/12/24.